Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral health issues in America. This is especially true as people age.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease. It causes swelling and inflammation of the gums, bleeding of the gums, and can lead to loose teeth, bone, and tooth loss. Over 3 million new cases are diagnosed annually in America. The prevalence of the disease gets substantially higher after the age of 65 when nearly 70% of adults are affected by it. However, it begins to take a toll even for younger people as almost half of all people over 30 are known to have at least early symptoms of the disease.
Health Effects of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is linked to a wide variety of health issues. Because the disease is linked to bacteria growth, plaque, and inflammation, it can substantially impact a person's overall health, not just oral health. Because Periodontal disease creates plaque build-up, it can lead to heart health problems as plaque is also associated with heart disease and strokes. Additionally, the inflammation caused by the bacteria growth can affect other areas of the body, causing inflammation in other regions. It may seem a bit complicated when you dig a little deeper into the causation of inflammation because the disease causes higher levels of systemic inflammatory markers such as Interleukin-6, also known as (IL-6), and C-Reactive Protein, also known as (CRP). Both of these bodily inflammatory markers are linked to an increased risk for the person suffering from cardiovascular disease and events such as ischemic strokes.
Factors That Increase The Risks
Many factors can cause periodontal disease. One of the most significant is improper dental care. Other primary factors include:
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Plaque Build-Up
- Poor Daily Oral Hygiene
- Hormonal Changes
- Recreational Drug Use
Other well-known causes of Periodontal disease include certain health conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- High Stress
- Low-Quality Dietary Intake
- Vitamin Deficiency
- Taking Certain Prescription Drugs
Once the plaque starts building below the gum line, it’s essential to get it treated to eradicate the chain reaction that can cause inflammation, gum bleeding, and tooth loss.
Through the help of a periodontal specialist like Dr. Tim Wachuta at Denver Periodontics, sufferers of periodontal disease can begin to get the relief they need to eradicate the disease. In addition to extensive deep cleaning below the gum line, a periodontal specialist can give important guidance on vital oral hygiene regimens to hold the disease at bay long-term.
The first step is making an appointment with Dr. Tim Wachuta at Gentle Smiles of Colorado to assess the current condition of the disease and begin treatment to reverse its effects.